The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that a new VH1 spin-off is coming to town. The network, which was once known for music videos back when MTV first started straying from music, is now known for some fighting, catty women. Its hit Basketball Wives now features two different series in Miami and Los Angeles, as well as the spin-off Baseball Wives.

Now the same has happened for Love & Hip Hop, as the franchise is expanding to include some lovely ladies of Atlanta.

Season 2 of the hit show, which centers around women in the hip-hop industry, averaged close to 3 million viewers, with 3.15 million tuning in to watch the last episode. Those numbers compare to RHOA viewership. For VH1 to hit those kind of benchmarks is huge for the network which is testing the waters with these bickering Betties.

The article cites, “Atlanta, of course, is known as a major town for hip hop. Several folks in the hip-hop/R&B world from Atlanta have already taken part in reality shows, including Keyshia Cole, Toni Braxton, Chilli, Monica, T.I. and Tiny and Kandi Burruss, to name a few. And if you go back a few years, there was Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston.”

Apparently, if you can’t sell your music, you need to be showcasing yourself on your own reality show, and it seems that Atlanta is the place to do it. In fact, TLC has already announced that its new reality show Preacher Wives will be filmed in the Georgia hot spot.

Casting for the Love & Hip Hop spin-off has not been finalized, though, it is being rumored that these ladies are in talks to join the cast – rapper Diamond, video model Summer Walker, rapper Rasheeda, and exotic dancer Gigi Maguire.

Meanwhile the reunion for the current season airs tonight at 8/7c on VH1. However, it’s being touted as more of a “special episode” than a reunion, seeing as several of the ladies couldn’t handle being in the same room with one another. I guess John Salley just doesn’t have the referee skills needed for this bunch!

Show producer Mona Scott Young revealed on twitter that they couldn’t film a reunion because some of the cast members wouldn’t be in the same room together. While it’s been rumored that those cast members are Chrissy Lampkin and Yandy Smith, sources are stating Chrissy is the lone one who refused to be in the same room as Yandy.

On tonight’s “special episode”–aptly titled “Reality Check”–Yandy speaks with producer (and her mentor) Mona Scott Young about the role she played on the show.

In the preview clip posted below, we find out it was Yandy’s nemesis Chrissy who originally wanted her on the show. That, however, changed as soon as Scott decided to make Yandy a regular on the show, much to the dismay of the soon to be Mrs. Jim Jones.

Explaining her decision to increase the camera time for Jim Jones’ former manager, Mona tells Yandy: “You were funny, you were charismatic, we wanted to see more of Yandy.“

This still doesn’t explain why Chrissy has so much rage towards Yandy. And it’s that rage that is causing the reunion to be nothing more than the ladies being interviewed separately. Where is the fun in that?

Of course, we know that even individually, the women can bring the drama as evident in the clip below, Chrissy is quick to remind Yandy, “B*tch, you on MY show!” Yikes! Once again Chrissy, you need a hobby! One that doesn’t involve Jim or bickering with the people in Jim’s life!

Finally, Olivia released a video for her new single ‘Walk Away,‘ and that is below!

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE LOVE & HIP HOP SPIN-OFF IN ATLANTA? WILL YOU BE WATCHING TONIGHT’S REUNION VERY SPECIAL EPISODE?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE OLIVIA’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO!

Last night’s episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta left NeNe Leakes and myself completely speechless. I dare say that was the oddest, craziest and most bizarre fight in Housewives history! Poor South Africa didn’t deserve this. Also, for self-proclaimed etiquette expert Marlo it’s a long way to the top if you want to be a socialite!

Arriving in South Africa the ladies brought the wild to the safari. Chalk it up to jet lag if you will. Lord the one liners in this episode are PRICELESS! After some super annoying Blair Witch Project footage of the women flying coach with no make up, they land in the airport, where much drama with the luggage ensues.

Apparently no one with the title “Housewives of Atlanta” can go on a ten-day trip with less than ten bags, so everyone is pushing these ENORMOUS luggage carts around the airport. Louis Vuitton is probably issuing a cease and desist letter right about now – either that or filing a defamation of character suit after this episode.

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO READ THE REST!

While Phaedra opts to be a trooper and push her luggage up the escalator, everyone else fights it out in the elevators. And strangely they all want to ride in the same elevator car, like this is the Girl Scouts buddy system or something. While Marlo tried to fit her 83 designer luggage pieces in an already jam-packed car, Kandi was issuing the death glare. If looks could kill, Kandi would be the airport elevator serial killer.

Kandi explains how elevators work, they go up and down over and over, or, in other words, wait for the next one! Sheree has valid concerns that this vacation to the Motherland will be entirely spent in the airport. For all the luggage they brought too bad everyone forgot to pack class.

On the way to the hotel, Marlo obsesses about having to share a bathroom and then proceeds to give the women some helpful etiquette tips she’s learned from a book. Points for being prepared, I suppose! Points detracted for being annoying! Everybody knows inviting yourself on someone else’s vacation and refusing to shut up is in poor taste.

The ladies finally arrive at the hotel and it is gorgeous. Sheree jokes that NeNe, Phaedra and her are sharing a suite, causing stunned silence followed by hysterical laughter. Marlo has many concerns about security in the hotel, doesn’t she know Phaedra has a taser and some holy water?

The ladies meet for breakfast. The Talls arrive in glamorous caftans, the Smalls in typical PJ’s. Marlo was already wearing 5” heels. During the meal, the ladies are treated to another litany of Marlo’s how-tos and I have to agree with Kandi, Marlo is desperately trying to run from her past. She better put on flats then, because heels are not the best for sprinting!

Since everybody knows when you host an international vacation for all your closet enemies, who also, unfortunately, happen to be your co-workers, you should give a commemorative gift to keep the memories alive. Phaedra dispenses some “so glad you came” gifts from her queenly thrown, wearing her queenly Marshall’s robe. Unfortunately, she didn’t have one made for Marlo, since she wasn’t aware she was coming. Not to fear, Phaedra has already contacted her secretary to get another one special ordered, right after she called the King of somewhere to see about borrowing his palace for dinner.

Sheree also gives the ladies a gift – the gift of a snub. A friend of Sheree’s is coincidentally in SA and she will be joining him for dinner. Except only Kandi and Phaedra are invited to come along. Something tells me excluding half the guests in your intimate travel group from a dinner party is not in Emily Post’s manual.

Cynthia wasn’t invited because Sheree didn’t want NeNe to be left all by her lonesome and CyNethia are attached at the hip. You could cut the awkwardness at that table with a butter knife. Wait… what does Marlo Post say about using a butter knife to cut?

The Talls leave the table and as soon as they are in the safety of their cave of the giants, they start freaking out about Sheree’s rudeness. It seems that Sheree, after briefly extending the olive branch to Cynthia, has now pulled the black-out shades down. Oh well, another day, another pair of shades these ladies have yachting to do. And this is where things start to really go south. Pun intended.

Taking a break from South Africa, Kim is at home whining about being responsible for child care and cleaning. Poor Kim just can’t handle feeding KJ and baby-sitting Sweetie. Really I think the “fire Sweetie” plot line was orchestrated by Bravo.

Kim’s parents come over to cook dinner, which was very sweet. Kim’s dad, ever the busybody, takes the opportunity to tell Kim that he thinks Kroy has changed her for the better and he believes Kroy is the right person for Kim. Ariana reveals she has talked to Kroy about proposing and he told her it’s in the works! Maybe this ring will mean a thing. In the meantime poor Kim is stuck feeding KJ while everyone else eats – including her assistant, who has mysteriously morphed into full-time nanny. Kim’s dad claims she has changed, but I still see the same old self-absorbed Kim!

Back in SA, the ladies board a yacht for a special tour of Cape Town. Phaedra is shocked none of the ladies want to discuss South African history. Uuuuhhh… she’s really surprised by that? Instead the ladies want to talk about each other. Marlo explains the proper way to stand up in a skirt, but nearly moons all of SA trying to demonstrate. “Can somebody please send this woman back to Atlanta,” Kandi wonders?

I’m surprised Sheree was allowed to bring her rent-a-Birkin out of the country. Maybe it’s more like a firkin and there are no rules about where those can go.

Inside the yacht, the ladies ignore the scenery and instantly start arguing. Marlo calls Kandi unwelcoming and accuses her of ignoring her in the mall. Kandi sort of brushes it aside because no one wants to anger the crazy woman with the assault record. Then, Cynthia points out that she used to think Phaedra was rude until they had their double date.

Finally, NeNe — dressed as the Shah of Iran — accuses Phaedra of not liking her because she supposedly talked about Apollo. Phaedra insists she has no issues with NeNe and the two agree to say hello to each other from now on. Marlo decides to butt in and instruct Sheree and NeNe to make amends, which doesn’t really go anywhere. NeNe and Marlo reveal they have “clicked” because they are oh-so similar and should be considered a package deal. Okaaay then. I wonder if this violates CyNethia’s friend contract?

Exiting the boat it seems the women have made a tacit agreement to be nice to each other for the remainder of the trip. Kandi is confused about why NeLo is even on this trip given that Ne hates everyone but Cynthia and Lo doesn’t even know them.

Unfortunately, so long as Marlo and her mouth are here no one is getting along. Marlo just will not shut up. Even Cynthia is annoyed, as she reminds Marlo that interrupting is very rude.

Back at the hotel, Sheree, Phaedra and Kandi are planning for the exclusive dinner at Sheree’s friend’s house. They debrief the yacht ride. Phaedra reiterates that she doesn’t have a problem with NeNe, but she is not a booty licker – unlike some people on this trip, staying in the hotel room next door, whose name rhymes with Pinthia.

The smalls are waxing poetic about how they are ready to move forward and put the past behind them when Cynthia shows up to tower over them and assert her giantess. It was like Jack and the Beanstalk! Keeping with the new friendships mood, Cynthia reaffirms they are all invited to come to dinner at Nobu should the desire present itself. Suddenly, having a change of heart after realizing Cynthia really is detached from NeNe’s butt, Sheree last minute invites Cynthia to her friend’s dinner. But make no mistake NeLo are still off the guest list.

Cynthia immediately runs next door to let NeNe know about the invite. Ok…. What happened to clearing the air, being civil and Cynthia being her own person? NeNe isn’t mad because she wouldn’t invite Sheree if the situation was reversed. At least she’s honest! HOWEVER, NeNe believes Marlo should have be invited since she hasn’t done anything to make Sheree hate her – yet!

Marlo decides to handle this in typical Housewives fashion — march over there and double-check that Sheree doesn’t want her joining them for dinner. NeNe tries to stop her, but not really.

Barging in, Marlo demands, “What about me?!” Backpedaling at warp speed, Sheree gets her high-piched, fast-talking drama voice on and insta-invites the ex-con; telling her they are leaving right now. Sadly, NeLo are in the doorway and the Smalls can’t run past (maybe they could duck between their legs?) which means Sheree is stuck getting into a screaming match with Marlo.

Marlo isn’t having any of Sheree’s pity-vites and is furious at the fakery given the therapeutic boat ride they just took thus cementing their friendships together like the glue that holds on NeNe’s everlasting false eyelashes.

She calls Sheree out for being phony and Sheree gets right back in Marlo’s face about how none of them even knew she was crashing their vacation and they aren’t even friends, so Ha! Suddenly, Marlo drops the F*gg*t-bomb and insists Sheree’s affiliation with gay men explains her singleness. And then she storms out of the room. Right, so ummm.. what chapter of Emily Post is that in, Marlo?

Sheree retaliates by wondering about Marlo’s 80-year-old john boyfriend. Does Sheree not know about Marlo’s history!? Sheree is braver than I thought!

Marlo runs back down the stairs and starts screaming about Sheree’s money problems and her reposed car and all sorts of below the belt nonsense. Oh, Sheree, I think we found who gonna check you, Boo!

The most shocking thing about this fight was not that Marlo enjoys f—king 80-year old men for Aston Martins, nor that Marlo actually admitted to having sex with geriatrics, or that she accused Sheree of hanging out with drug dealers, but that NeNe was temporarily rendered speechless! In four seasons of this show, I have never, ever, not once, seen NeNe stunned and silent!

Phaedra, used to gibberish because she has a one-year-old, just resumes putting on her make-up and ignores the fight because she couldn’t understand what they were talking about anyway. Apparently, Sheree is a loser because she only has one Rolex? You can take the Atlanta Housewives out of Atlanta, but you can’t take the Atlanta Housewives out of the Atlanta Housewives!

A flabbergasted NeNe has an epiphany. Apparently seeing herself scream at Star Jones on Celebrity Apprentice did nothing to increase her self-awareness, but watching Marlo and Sheree go at it like feral cats over a can of tuna has opened her eyes to how stupid and embarrassing such behavior is. Do you think she was texting Kim at that moment? Befriend me again, Wigziak!

Cynthia majorly regrets telling NeLo about the latent dinner party invite. Like she didn’t do that on purpose, knowing it would elicit some sort of melodramatic reaction! Although, I’m dead positive she didn’t expect Marlo to lose her shizz and start screaming at Sheree over returning clothes to Neiman Marcus!

Shreee is not frightened by Marlo’s criminal past because she has one of her own, and is not planning to back down to someone exposing all her monetary woes. I’m really confused by why Marlo is seemingly proud that she is basically sleeping with some geriatric for monetary gains and dang, Marlo hits with some very, very low blows. Ick. She needs to re-read that etiquette book and then re-read it again and again. Socialite my butt!

I’m guessing any social clout Marlo may have mustered in Atlanta has certainly evaporated after people witnessed this exchange!

Then, shocking me speechless, NeNe Leakes becomes the diplomat on the stairs! The instigator with a change of heart, quietly interrupts and asks if Sheree’s slight was intentional. Apparently, no, Sheree had just RSVP’d for three and didn’t even know Marlo was attending the trip.

After NeNe attempts to insert reason into the craziest and funniest disagreement ever; between two women who are completely broke and arguing over who got men to buy them more crap, the women start some strange mimicry back and forth with weird bird whooping. What in the hell?!?!?!?! Who put acid in the champagne here ladies?

It was like cartoon birds on crack or something. NeNe’s face… Bwahahaha! To be continued… in my nightmares! Wild Kingdom, indeed! Was anyone else amazed that NeNe was able to hang onto that Mimosa through the whole fight?

Next Week: Marlo continues to tear it up and act cray-cray. The ladies head to a safari and in an attempt to prove they are not completely shallow human beings volunteer at an orphanage.

WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE with Kim, Kroy, and Kim’s new wig. Since when did Derek J leave her employ? The drinking game word is: wig! The bartender is the Mazel cheerleader with wig-poms! Kim was very subdued and kinda boring tonight, wasn’t she?

Kim reveals she is happy, in love, and at peace – perhaps Papa Zolciak was right about Kim being a better person with Kroy. Good for Kim. Kim hopes NeNe‘s new position as mediator will last. Me too! Kim seconds that she has heard rumors of Sheree’s swap and shop behavior at Neiman’s! Why am I not surprised Sheree Jill Zarins it up with the designer duds?

Kim accuses Marlo of having several Big Poppa‘s and claims she refrains from spending time with her – for obvious reasons! Kim is up first for Plead The Fifth, and immediately evokes the fifth by refusing to show off her real hair! Kim isn’t able to come up with three positive things about NeNe, Kinda lame, Kim!

Poor Andy echos all the viewers sentiments when he openly mourns for the days of Kim and NeNe, besties extraordinaire. They are so fun. Kim is boring now and Kroy is like walking Valium.

The poll question is: Whose side are you on? The Talls vs. The Smalls. The Smalls win by a landslide! I’m guessing one rotten apple did ruin the apple sauce, ahem… Marlo!

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? MARLO OR SHEREE? ARE YOU SURPRISED BY NENE’S TURN AS THE MATURE ONE? DOES BRAVO NEED TO IMMEDIATELY THROW MARLO TO THE LIONS OR IS SHE A GOOD ADDITION TO THE CAST?

Oh good gracious! Those ladies of Atlanta are at it yet again. This time Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Mama Kim Zolciak is telling cast mate Cynthia Bailey’s husband what’s what.

Now I am rarely Team Kim, except when singing “The Ring Didn’t Mean a Thing” in my car and wishing I had a few luscious wigs to sport, but I think that in this case, she has a reason to be angry. And not just regular mad… Twitter mad. We all know it’s the tweets that bring the heat.

Kim took to Twitter, the rich man’s crap talking mecca, to remind Cynthia’s husband Peter Thomas that she has more important things to do than traipse off to South Africa… and those things have nothing to do with racism. Peter went as far as to insinuate that Kim’s absence on the ladies’ RHOA trip had more to do with the fact she had issues with other races and less to do with the fact she had two daughters and a newborn son at home. With her new husband Kroy Biermann away at training camp, shouldn’t Kim have figured out a way to go on the trip so as not to offend Peter, a househusband notorious for stirring up drama? Maybe Sweetie could have baby-sat. Is the man serious?

Apparently, Peter believed that the fact the women’s destination was South Africa was a major hang up for Kim. He alluded that had the trip been to some European destination, Kim would have bent over backwards to find child care. Oh no he di-int!

Not one to take these accusations lying down (although she probably was, because Kim rivals me in the ‘lounging’ department #imnotlazyimtired) Kim blasted her co-star’s husband on the Twitterverse saying, “Peter is so ignorant!! Kj was 7 weeks old, I was breastfeeding and Kroy was gone at football camp! Sooo Peter can kiss my ass!!!”

No word yet on whether Peter is sticking to his guns or if he’ll back pedal with the best of them. The man is infamous (on this Bravo franchise, at least) for speaking first and thinking second — if at all, so who knows if Kim will get an apology or another round of haterade from the outspoken restauranteur.

Not that Kim has time to worry about such trivial things, especially with her spin-off debut Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding right around the corner. Do you have spring fever or are you just itching to see the wig-a-licious wedding spectacular? I have both, but I’m leaning more towards the latter.

Taking to that trusty Twitter account yet again, Kim tweeted a curious fan that “Don’t be Tardy for the Wedding airs on Bravo in April!!!” While Bravo is remaining mum on when the world will get to see the Zolciak-Biermann nuptials, if anyone has an inside track to when the train wreck fabulousness that occurred on 11.11.11 will be premiering, it’s everyone’s favorite auto-tuned bride.

Perhaps the Bravo machine wants to declare the news for all to hear via Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. Mr. and Mrs. Big Poppa Biermann will be joining Andy in the clubhouse in January 29. Jokes aside, I do think Kim has reigned it in this season and I for one am excited to see her so happy.

Meanwhile, another Atlanta housewife is ready to make a bigger name for herself. In an interview with Sister2Sister, Kandi Burruss discusses her own spin-off Kandi Factory and why the show’s format is near and dear to the musician’s heart.

Kandi is excited to show the world what she really does for a living on her new show Kandi Factory which premieres (where else?) on Bravo March 4. The series will follow the Grammy winning adult toy purveyor as she works to make two unknown singers into the next great talent. As someone who has worked with the likes of Usher, TLC and Alicia Keys, Kandi certainly knows what she’s doing.

She tells the site, “Bravo is giving me the opportunity to do what I do, on television. I’m very excited about that.” She continues, “Musically, that’s near and dear to my heart. That’s what I do. I love being creative.”

Not only does Kandi have a slew of number one hits under her belt, but she also did what many would have deemed impossible if they hadn’t witnessed it themselves. She wrote and produced two songs for cast mate Kim Zolciak and made her into an iTunes sensation. If you’ve heard Kim sing, you know that is no small feat! Given her knowledge of the industry as well as her ability to work magic on the vocally challenged, it’s no wonder she’s secured her own spin-off.

Kandi reveals, “Ever since I did the situation with Kim, people come up to me on the street every day. Now, I actually have an opportunity to do it for normal people for real. We’re going to pick two for the episode and one may be a diamond in the rough and one may not be able to sing hardly at all. We’re going to show you what we do. We have our whole team. It’s not just me.”

“I will put together the team to transform this person into someone hot. Can I do it?” asks Kandi. “I made the statement on one of the episodes that I can make anybody hot, and in my mind, I really do believe that. But whether it’s true or not is going to be left for you to decide.”

And decide I’m sure we will. I know I’ll be tuning in on March 4 for the new series!

I will also be tuning in tonight at 9ET as the ladies head to South Africa. On the 12th episode this season titled “South Africa: Just Like Home,” the ladies arrive in Cape Town, where a relaxing yacht ride turns ugly when Marlo confronts Sheree about not inviting her to a party. In Atlanta, Kim finds it difficult to adjust to Kroy’s absence and taking care of her brood on her own. A preview clip is below.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF KIM’S TWEETS TO PETER? SHOULD SHE HAVE GONE ON THE TRIP? WILL YOU BE WATCHING DON’T BE TARDY FOR THE WEDDING? KANDI FACTORY?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE THE PREVIEW!

On last night’s episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kim got ready for Kroy to leave for training camp and the rest of the ladies planned their trip to South Africa! NeNe decided to really stir up the drama by sneak inviting Marlo, and telling nary a soul, but Cynthia. And, oh my, were the ladies surprised, but not thrilled when Marlo joined them at the departure gate!

Things begin at Marlo‘s house, and ok, call me crazy, but I love the decor and the color scheme. NeNe is impressed that Marlo read Kim and Kandi the riot act at Cynthia‘s agency opening and definitely didn’t back down. On the tour, NeNe discovers Marlo has a full security system installed in her house, which she can monitor from her bedroom! Who is she, Drita D’avanzio? Is she mistressed to the mob in secret?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO READ THE REST!

Marlo creepily covers NeNe‘s eyes and leads her to the secret chamber where she hides all her victims, aka her closet! NeNe is instantly in love and instantly decides that Marlo has met all her requirements for bestie: gets in Kim‘s face and has many, many designer clothes. NeNe, and myself, suddenly understand the need for a security system. Just what kind of johns boyfriends does Marlo have who are willing to pay for all this stuff? I dare say she has done better than Kim!

Cementing their new-found friendship and trying to bribe RHOA’s most notorious (re: famous), Marlo offers NeNe one of her Gucci bags. Over lunch served via private chef (is this a new thing in Housewives land?), NeNe is amazed by similarities between the two of them. She fills Marlo in on the Africa trip and explains why she has no desire to go: Phaedra and Sheree.

Marlo can’t imagine them going to the motherland acting crazy. Bwahaha! NeNe decides acting crazy is just what this trip needs to make it worth her while and decides to insta-invite her new BFFL, Marlo – and reminds her to bring some of those Chanel bags with her. NeNe’s got some borrowing to do!

NeNe is quite the schemer: The Talls against the The Smalls. NeNe is predicting drama and some serious gagging once the other ladies find out about Mugshot Marlo‘s attendance. Oh, lord. Excitement indeed!

At Kim‘s rent-a-mansion, she is talking weight loss and she has a new plan to drop lbs fast. And it definitely doesn’t involve the gym, which clearly is ineffective. Look at Kroy! Kim explains she has receipts that prove her theory that exercise is pointless, and instead she is going to pay $150 for a slim wrap. The wrap lady arrives, takes Kim’s measurements, and then binds her up in some $150 ace bandages. Kim looks like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!

Kim is instructed to keep moving around leisurely in order for the treatment to work. Kroy looks skeptical, and knows it doesn’t work, but helps her as she jostles on the trampoline and pushes the dog in the stroller, while talking about sexy times in front of her kids. Kim decides Kandi could really benefit from being wrapped up. Kim apparently lost 10.5 inches and is ready to order pizza.

Kandi, on the other hand, is working out with her trainer. Kandi’s trainer is shocked at the weight she has gained SINCE exercising and starts lecturing her about what she’s eating. Kandi agrees the Fat Albert act cannot go on if she wants to meet a man. Oh. My. Gosh – I cannot believe the exercise he was making her do! No wonder Kandi looks so good now!

At Cynthia‘s she is packing anything and everything in preparation to leave Peter for South Africa. What is the Muppet carpet in Cynthia’s dressing room. Cynthia is so excited about the break from her marriage, she is packing days in advance.

Peter comes in to help Cynthia choose outfits, and reveals he thinks Kim isn’t coming along because it’s SA and there are too many black people. I bet avoiding NeNe has more to do with her not going than anything else! Peter and Cynthia joke about her going on vacation to get away from him, and she does look very happy to escape.

At Phaedra‘s house of domestic tranquility, she is preparing dinner while Apollo feeds Ayden. Phaedra explains her feelings on Marlo since learning of her past as a violent offender. Everybody knows the only person with a rap sheet Phaedra hangs out with is her husband. Knowing Marlo’s history Phaedra reveals she is very, very wary about furthering a relationship with her! Phaedra and Apollo are such a cute, down to earth couple. I want more of this on Housewives!

Over dinner and talk of South Africa, Phaedra claims she actually wants NeNe to come on the trip, so she can have a new beginning with the women. Little does Phaedra know, NeNe has other motives!

NeNe and Marlo meet up to shop for the trip. What is NeNe’s assistant wearing? Why does NeNe have an assistant? NeNe’s other reason for going to Africa? To meet a rich, eligible man.

The ladies are label whore shopping, because that’s another thing they have in common.Oh dear… Is NeNe wearing sequined shorts? Taking a break for champers and gossip, NeNe and Mugshot Marlo are breaking down how they are going to deal with all the ladies, the drama, and the haters on this ten-day trip. Sheesh, this is a very complicated vacation that involves more negotiations than a UN summit. Marlo has serious apprehensions about Kandi, who she perceives as standoffish, and decides Kandi better talk to her or else!

NeNe is so thrilled Marlo will be by her side to combat hater chieftesses, Phaedra and Sheree, and to put Kandi in her place. Afterwards, NeNe checks out and when the very, very rich Ms. Leakes discovers her total is $10 grand she wants a refund – stat!

Kim learns the NFL Lockout is over! Kim and Kroy are going out to dinner before Kroy has to report to training camp. Kim looks like some sort of Barbie hooker and after “losing” all that weight is drinking a huge margarita!

Kroy is nervous about leaving his 8-week-old son in the hands of Kim and Sweetie! And I think we now have the answer to why Sweetie is no longer Kim’s assistant. Kroy muses that Sweetie needs to be organized herself if is in charge of managing Kim’s life. Kim to her credit, defends Sweetie, but it’s pretty clear Kroy isn’t a fan of her services!

Kim reveals she is going to be depending on Sweetie more than ever now that Kroy is leaving, because Kim parent and take care of her home? Nonsense! She has tanning, wigging, and shopping to do! Kim becomes emotional over Kroy’s leaving, but her false eyelashes prevent her from crying. Not trusting Kim Worried about his family, Kroy reveals he installed security cameras in the house, so he can keep an eye on things.

Kim has planned a special farewell surprise for Kroy, which involves setting the stage for some serious sexy times. It’s being arranged by her parents while she and Kroy are at dinner. Is that not a little weird to anyone else? Kim comes home early and things are not ready, so Kim and Kroy are left waiting awkwardly in the entryway while Sweetie hurries to finish up; annoying Kim who is totes not shocked things didn’t go according to plan. Apparently the only one capable of planning is Kroy – maybe she should hire him as her assistant.

While initiating the romances, Kim’s dad barges in and starts lecturing the couple on “being good” and not getting knocked up again. Oh dear, Kim’s parents are really umm… something, just like Kim!

Phaedra is leaving for Africa and excited about potential for Ayden and Apollo to bond as father and son while she is bonding with giraffes in the safari. After a little make-out scene in the back seat with her hubby, she’s off to the airport! Kandi is worried and something is telling her things might go wrong on this Bravo-planned vacation. She is seriously concerned about it turning into non-stop drama, which is not what she had in mind for her first trip to South Africa, and she is wondering if all the activities will be divided into smalls vs. talls. Sheree‘s strategy for avoiding the drama is to totally ignore NeNe. Nonetheless, everyone is in a good mood at the departure gate and waiting for NeNe… and unbeknownst to them, Marlo!

It’s the day Kroy is leaving and he will be gone for a month for training camp. Kim is very upset about the prospect of being left alone. Kroy says good-bye to the girls and Kim. It was kind of a sad scene and you can tell they will really miss each other. Was anyone else waiting on bated breath for him to propose before he pulled away?

Finally, NeNe gets to the airport and just when everyone things it’s time to go, NeNe warns them to wait for Marlo to get her stuff! The silence was drop dead and palpable. Phaedra‘s expression and Kandi‘s forced tone of voice – haha! Phaedra is very disappointed she wasn’t warned in advance, but what’s a little more spice in the gumbo, right?!

Wasn’t NeNe the one who was upset about extraneous friends on last year’s Miami excursion? Nonetheless, Kandi explains that NeNe just needs some extra muscle, and given her experience in the penitentiary and her height, Marlo would make good muscle!

Next Week: Things start off on the right foot and quickly end up on the wrong! You can’t stuff a size 39 shoe on a size 40 foot, after all!

Watch What Happens Live: The guests are Sherri Shepherd and Yvette Nicole Brown for WWHL’s BFF fest! The celebrity bartender is PA Omari, and Sherri jokes that it’s a good things she’s married or she’d be “straight cougar.” hehe

The ladies are flummoxed by Marlo‘s house, specifically how she can afford her lavish lifestyle. Andy shows a still of the Talls. vs. Smalls or the designer vs. sweats, which I didn’t even notice! Yvette and Sherri are on opposite sides of the equation – Sherri is going Talls and Yvette is going Smalls.

Sherri is shocked by Kim‘s parents and thinks Kim’s dad ruined the mood! Yvette would rather wrap than work out with Kandi‘s trainer. A caller wonders if Yvette and Sherri would kick Marlo off the trip? Sherri would more than willingly let Marlo know she was not invited and needed to go back home!

A caller confuses Yvette with Octavia Spencer and asks her about starring in The Help. Oops. The game is: Wig, Weave, or Weal? I love that game! Kandi Tweets that her game picture hair was actually real – not a weave as the ladies suspected! Sherri wants NeNe to join The View – and you know, that actually would be an interesting addition!

Steven Tyler is Jackhole of the Week for his horrible rendition of The National Anthem! C0-signed, Andy!

The Poll Question: Who would you least want to sit next to on a 20 hour flight? Sherri doesn’t want to sit by Phaedra and Yvette is afraid of Marlo. Sadly for NeNe she wins hands down and no one wants to sit by her. Who else thinks Kim was voting over and over?

SHOULD NENE HAVE INVITED MARLO ON THE TRIP WITHOUT WARNING THE OTHER LADIES? ARE NENE AND MARLO REALLY FRIENDS?

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss took to her Kandi Koated Nights Ustream show to fight back against Nene Leakes’ accusations that she is a “hater” and “fake.”

Although, to be honest, Nene calls everyone in her life both a fake and a hater, so Kandi could have just walked away. Nene is probably calling some Starbucks Batista a “hater” right now, in between throwing wads of dollar bills up in the air.

The conflict appears to have come from the trip Nene, Kandi and Cynthia took at the beginning of the season to Miami (the one where Nene made fun of Kandi’s thighs in her talking head interview). Kandi explains why she was even on the trip to begin with: “Let me tell y’all something about her fake a*s.” Kandi adds, “I didn’t even really want to go on that trip. The only reason why I was even invited on that trip is because I was the only one that was even on speaking terms with her during that time other than Cynthia.”

After the trip, Kandi made a comment to the other housewives women at Kim’s birthday party making fun of Nene’s new found wealth and her constant reminders that she was “rich.”

As to why Nene was so offended (probably because she’s not rich at all), Kandi is similarly confused:”Name something else I said. Even when I was with her in Miami, I made a joke about the being rich thing.”

What was most interesting about Kandi’s comments is that she herself tried to clear the air about the trip in her Bravo blog, but her efforts were thwarted by the powers that be, who deleted Kandi’s explanations for her behavior.

She says, “I said all this in my blog, and then [Bravo] edited my damn blog. So I told them, I said, ‘I’m not blogging no more.’” True to her word, Kandi has not posted a blog since November 15.

In any case, Nene and Kandi will never be best friends, or even close friends. She says, “”She don’t call me. I don’t talk to her outside of the show.” Even during events the ladies are at for filming purposes, Nene stays away: “Even when all of us are together at certain events, half the time, she don’t even speak to me!”

TELL US: ARE YOU ON KANDI OR NENE’S SIDE? DO YOU THINK NENE WILL HAVE ANY FRIENDS LEFT IN ATLANTA? WHY IS NENE SO OBSESSED WITH HER HATERS?

In case you were planning on enriching your life culturally, you can put those plans on hold! Bravo has released their upcoming schedule of new and returning drugs, television shows!

The most shocking on this list of programs is the inclusion of Millionaire Matchmaker, which apparently will be returning for its sixth, yes, SIXTH season of awful, offensive, stilted, garbage. There is apparently no shortage of professional extras willing to get berated by Patti Stanger or millionaires willing to pimp out their businesses. Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date but it’s slated to return this year.

Also returning: the strangely charming Pregnant In Heels, Million Dollar Listing, Bethenny Ever After on February 20 (but we already knew that) and Inside The Actor’s Studio on January 31, the Bravo show that refuses to die despite a million Housewives franchises. Of course, in case you’ve been busy living life Tabatha Takes Over started its fourth season on January 10th, with Tabatha taking over more than just salons, but every kind of business she can find.

Slated to premiere in the spring are the following shows with my very own synopsis! If no premiere date is listed that means the show will air sometime in the spring.

• Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis (Premieres March 14) — Jeff ran out of houses to flip, so now he is taking Jenni and Zoila on the road to redecorate people’s homes and lives. Because when you think life coach, you think an anal-retentive control freak who has alienated almost all of his loved ones! (Just kidding Jeff, I love you!)
• The Kandi Factory (premieres March 4) — Another housewife gets her own spin-off! This time around, Kandi Burruss will show us inside her songwriting empire as she mentors young artists. And she’ll probably talk about vibrators a lot.
• The Ring Leader (premieres February 27) — You know what we need more of on tv? Shows about wedding planning! Here’s another one, following around wedding planner Kristin Banta.
• Shah’s of Sunset – Yet another attempt at the Miami Social/that weird Dallas show about rich young people. Only this time, with Persian-Americans.
• Love Broker — One matchmaker on Bravo isn’t enough, now there must be two! This time, the show will follow Lori Zaslow.
• Million Dollar Listing New York – The same douches you’ve come to expect on Million Dollar Listing, but in New York this time.
• Around The World In 80 Plates - If Top Chef and Amazing Race had a baby. Or, as the press release says, “12 chefs competing in a culinary race across 10 countries in 44 days.”
• Kathy — The original Bravo-lebrity, Kathy Griffin gets her very own talk show as well as two comedy specials to premiere in the spring.
• Don’t Be Tardy For The Wedding –In my mind, this show would be titled, “Deleted Scenes from this season’s Real Housewives of Atlanta” but apparently Bravo thinks you care enough about Kim Zolciak to watch her plan her wedding to football player Kroy Bierman.

For up to date listings and premiere dates, visit BravoTV.com.

TELL US: WHICH SHOW ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE RETURN? WHAT NEW SHOW WILL YOU BE WATCHING? WHICH HOUSEWIFE DO YOU THINK ALSO DESERVES A SPIN-OFF? DO YOU AGREE THAT MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER SHOULD BE CANCELLED?

Things start out with Kim hauling her infant to the gun range. Safety first! Kroy has decided Kim should learn how to shoot and get a gun. I guess she sometimes has to deal with a rampant moose. At first Kim is nervous, but then she gets into being a pistol packin’ mama! Kim gets a pink 9mm and while she doesn’t love having a gun, she’s into getting something pink. Next I am sure she will wrangle a LV gun case.

Cynthia and Peter are meeting Apollo and Phaedra for a double date to work things out following the husband’s altercation at Kim’s babyshower. Phaedra declares it is a “powder in your panties” kinda day, basically a typical hot summer day in the south. God I love southern summers. And friction, what friction? Because everyone is getting along great.

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO READ THE REST!

Apollo’s career comes up and he is in “asset recover” which makes him a possible repo man until he will be consoling grieving widows at Phunerals By Phaedra. The couple discuss finding balance in their marriage and Apollo admits they fight. Proving things aren’t always hunky dory he shows off his battle scares – apparently Phaedra really is a vampire and she bites!

Cynthia for some odd reason asks about the age difference between Phaedra and Apollo. Apollo answers that he is 32. So how old is Phaedra? 38 it would appear. As everybody knows it is in bad taste to ask anyone their age. Particularly when said person is a woman over 30. Changing the subject, Phaedra reveals she is putting together a trip to South Africa and everyone is invited – so long as they have a vagina. Phaedra is planning on this being a peaceful trip, which frankly does not seem possible given the group. Cynthia, who has been to South Africa before, thinks it will be nice to have a break from Peter. So they’re happily married, aren’t they?

After lunch, Peter and Cynthia admit they had a great time getting to know Phaedra and Apollo. Cynthia immediately calls NeNe to check in and invites her on the Africa trip; which NeNe turns down citing she wouldn’t go to a trashcan with Phaedra!

NeNe has better things to do like pretend she is manipulating businessman John Kolaj with her “charms.” NeNe and John will be business partners on a new lounge. Well, John will do all the work and NeNe will hang out there talking about how busy she is. NeNe reveals she met John through The Donald and she refers to him as Mr. Big because of his deep pockets, of course!

In the business meeting, NeNe explains her aversion to putting her purse on the floor, because superstition dictates it will make you go broke. Is that what I’m doing wrong… is it possible that I have learned something from ATL? Thanks for the financial advice, my very rich friend NeNe.

Discussing what sort of establishment she would like to open, NeNe wants a lounge for rich people like herself. How is Peter going to feel about this new found competition? NeNe has misgivings about working with John’s project manager – citing latent trauma from her experiences on Celebrity Apprentice, but frankly I think she senses the project manager will not put up with her crap!

The theme will be dramatic, romantic, big, beautiful — just like NeNe herself, John points out! And the cost will be between $750,000 and $1.8M. Since NeNe doesn’t have that kind of money, no matter what she wants us to believe, John will be going halfsies with her (i.e. providing the financial backing). Or that’s what he thinks. Using her manipulative powers, NeNe informs him he will have 40% controlling interest. John agrees, likely thinking he’ll lose less money that way when the thing goes bankrupt.

NeNe explains their relationship as John adores her and she cannot control his affections. Frankly, he is like a little angel on her shoulder guiding her and gifting her to happiness and success. He better watch out for the chandelier earrings then! In order to celebrate their working relationship, John gifts NeNe with more Louboutins and continues checking her out. NeNe is fine with sexual harassment so long as expensive gifts are involved.

Kandi and Phaedra go to an African dance class together. Phaedra is confused about how Kandi can have no rhythm after all those Kandi Koated nights and seriously – she has NO rhythm! Phaedra on the other hand… donkey booty extraordinaire. Gosh, that looked so fun!

After class, Kandi reveals some information about new friend of Housewives, Marlo. Marlo, as we know, has quite the extensive history of grappling with the law. Kandi claims she knew something was amiss given how Marlo was so aggressive at Cynthia’s agency opening. Phaedra is a little frightened after learning the severity of Marlo’s past and I am sure regretting that she ever referred to this woman a socialite!

Kim visits her psychic. Awww… I love Rose. Rose warns Kim that she will get pregnant again, this time with a daughter who will be premature. She also lets Kim know that Kroy is her forever. Which makes Kim anxious because, hello, where is her ring!? Rose also reads Kroy and KJ’s palms and determines Kroy has a lot of anxiety, but things will work out. Kim explains she is very happy in her life and others are jealous of that happiness. I wonder whom she could be referring to?

Sheree and Phaedra are visiting an Africa history museum. In the midst of exploring history they are immediately distracted by a hot male mannequin in a loincloth, whom they feel up. Maybe for Sheree’s sake he’ll come to life a.k.a. Mannequin 2 (remember that 80’s movie!?). During the tour the ladies again return to the chained mannequins, who are described of being stripped of their clothing and held captive awaiting their trip to America to be sold into slavery. Frankly, I was a bit disappointed by their snickering about the hotness of the mannequin and Phaedra asking Jesus to keep her focused was a bit much. Phaedra warns the alarmed tour guide that she is a connoisseur of artistic nudity.

After the tour, Phaedra brings up the trip to SA and asks Sheree how she would feel about attending with NeNe? Silence… Sheree finally consents that she wouldn’t pass up the trip (which Bravo is forcing her to attend) because of NeNe. Phaedra, ever the optimist, hopes visiting another country can put an end to the high school squabbling and elevate this group of women to at least the college level. Keep dreaming!

Phaedra calls His Excellency, John the VP of Ghana, to warn him that they will be invading his continent. Apparently, he is difficult to contact since he’s like busy running a country! Is anyone else convinced it was a Bravo hired actor on the phone?

Kandi is hosting a dinner party for all the ladies. ALLLLL the ladies – meaning Kim and NeNe together, along with Mama Joyce. Kandi wants everyone to come together before Africa. Kandi might as well call this party the ladies vs. NeNe because both Sheree and Kim pointedly ignore her upon their arrival.

Mama Joyce almost immediately announces her intent — she wants the ladies to go back to the way things were before reality television ruined everything. Who cares about this side vs. that side over pettiness.

Ok, Mama Joyce is awesome and she needs to hosts the reunions or get her own show: Reality Therapy with Mama Joyce. She wants the ladies to think carefully if some low-budget fame was worth the loss of their former close friends inspiring silence from both Kim and NeNe for once!

Joyce demands Kim say hello to NeNe, and Kim tries to get around it but eventually relents. She also insists NeNe say hello to Kim and Sheree. Joyce explains the ladies are beautiful black women – even Kim – and part of a sisterhood that should remember how important they were to each other. Sheree mentions that they no longer have the desire to be close friends and that’s part of why the friendships have faded.

Kandi wants to discuss the trip to Africa and NeNe reveals she is not interested in going. This shocks Sheree who seems to think NeNe’s reasons for wanting to stay home have to do with travel anxiety and not travelmates. Sheree admonishes NeNe “get some damn culture” and get some stamps in her passport. Um… right, that’s a bit rich coming from Sheree!

Mama Joyce decides NeNe and Kim must be friends again and comes to the end of the table to administer a little couples counseling. In Joyce’s mind these two are merely separated and not yet divorced. NeNe explains that while she loves Joyce, she is out of control in this instance and perhaps she has been sipping some wine when no one was looking.

NeNe does not think Kim and her can ever reconnect and is not interested in talking about it. NeNe thinks too much has happened and there is simply no way to rebuild things. NeNe was well-spoken and polite in describing her feelings and I was very happy to see her approach this situation in a serious and adult fashion. Likewise for Kim.

Kim also agrees there is no way for them to be friends again and things have just ended, simple as that. Joyce advises the ladies to sit down and talk sometime one on one and try to figure out what happened. I wish Mama Joyce would have stepped in last season with these two!

NeNe admits it’s very sad that their friendship has ended, but she is never having anything to do with these ladies again. I am with MaMa Joyce they need to work things out and I really, really miss these two as friends. NeNe and Kim both decided to leave at that point, just about the time Mama Joyce discovers her drink actually has alcohol in it! Oops. Oh well, sometimes the truth needs to come out. These ladies need to get it together and let bygones be bygones or Bravo needs to recast. The show is boring with no one getting along or being true friends besides Phaedra and Kandi.

Kim is glad she came and loves Joyce, but doesn’t think Joyce understands the extent of Kim’s issues with NeNe. Kim, obviously, is over Sheree attacking her but perhaps she’s a two strikes you’re out girl!

Kandi wonders if there is a possibility for the ladies to work things out, which NeNe shoots down. Kandi is thankful everyone came nonetheless and thinks NeNe should go on the Africa trip. NeNe thinks her passport would get seized and she’d be stuck there. Kandi warns even if fighting happens, she’s staying out of it! NeNe is still thinking about it, but not promising anything!

Next Week: Marlo wants to go to Africa too! Kroy and Kim get emotional. NeNe decides to go to Africa – but forgot to tell everyone she invited ex-conn Marlo! Eeks.

Watch What Happens Live with NeNe and a whole lotta sequins! The bartender is a frankly frightening looking real-life Ms. Golden Globes. The drinking game word is: Kim.

NeNe straight up denies that John is her boyfriend! Andy compares the high collared interview blouses of Phaedra and Kim Richards, and I agree with NeNe that is a “don’t!” Andy reveals NeNe the Grouch. I’m frightened!

The dinner party is discussed and NeNe reveals she thinks Mama Joyce was out of line, because they’re adult women not children. NeNe wishes Joyce would have come to her for more details because she only knows some of what happened. Andy wants to know why they couldn’t just exchange pleasantries and be polite, instead of ignoring each other. NeNe is into growing and not staying the same, and claims Kim may have grown some, but is essentially still the same.

Andy comments that from what he’s observed, Kim has changed which NeNe disagrees with and cites all of Kim’s negative comments about her made on the episodes. NeNe is obviously still very emotional about the situation, despite not speaking to Kim in almost two years and it is clear this situation is not resolved! NeNe ends things saying she doesn’t need all the negativity!

NeNe plays Plead The Fifth next. NeNe admits she loves that Kim is fun. NeNe pleads the fifth on how much money she has and and pleads the sixth on the last time she hooked up with Gregg! Rose read Andy‘s plam via text photo and said Andy has a problem in the lower part of his body (not an exciting proclamation!) and he will live into his mid-eighties. Finally she says Andy will meet the person he will be with forever this year!!

Kelsey Grammer won a Golden Globe and announced he is having twins with new wife Kayte Walsh! Wow. NeNe plays Bam vs. Busted with Golden Globes fashions. NeNe gives Kyle some fashion tips and votes her a tentative and unconvincing “Bam!”

NeNe comments on Sheree‘s new single and hopes all the proceeds go towards building neverland. HA! Nene predicts Teresa will do well on Celebrity Apprentice because Teresa is a tough girl and The Donald likes that! NeNe refuses to answer how many shoes John has bought her. NeNe reveals South Africa was interested and she definitely went on the trip!

Poll Question: Should NeNe and Kim make up? NeNe votes an emphatic “no,” but the majority of fans disagree! Reunite Kim and NeNe! Dang I wish we could script all elements of reality TV!

THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE? SHOULD NENE AND KIM BE FRIENDS AGAIN? WAS MAMA JOYCE OUT OF LINE FOR MEDDLING? ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICA TRIP?

It’s Sunday, the day of rest and that day where you are filled with free-floating anxiety. Not because you have to return to work tomorrow, but because it’s Real Housewives of Atlanta time and some states cruelly do not allow you to purchase alcohol on Sundays. Personally, I think Bravo should petition those laws to change. RHOA without wine is criminal.

However, I digress. While the ladies have been in the news due to Nene Leakes‘ guest role on Glee (and her unsurprising revelation that she is still with “ex-husband” Gregg) as well as the very sad revelation of Marlo’s past, the other women have been fairly quiet on the scene.

Kandi Burruss, songwriter turned adult toy impresario, gave an interview to Sister 2 Sister about the group that made her famous, Xscape, claiming they will never have a reunion: “We didn’t get along. Why would I go back for a headache and I [didn't] really make that much money in the situation? That don’t make sense.”

Kandi also adds that despite the group’s success they hardly made any money. “I don’t want to give no exact numbers, but we didn’t make that much money off of our albums for us to have three platinum albums… We really didn’t get a lot of money as a group,” stated Kandi.

Also, not making sense is Cynthia Bailey in her latest Bravo blog, where she reveals that husband of the year Peter Thomas recently gave her a gift of a three-day spa retreat… for her alone.

“I am so blessed people have responded to my first big business venture with so much love and support. Having to review thousands of applications to attend The Bailey Agency is a great problem to have! However, my husband Peter did surprise me! Peter sent me away to an astonishing all inclusive spa for three days. I usually don’t like surprises, but since I was beyond exhausted and in dire need of a massage, I made an exception. I spent three gorgeous days alone doing spa treatments, reading books, napping, and watching movies. It was incredible, and I felt reawakened! Thank you, Peter, for the gift of rejuvenation and peace! I love you for giving me exactly what I needed. As always, I am grateful.”

While the gesture is sweet, three whole days alone at a spa? One day alone at the Atlanta Bliss outpost would have been nice, but three days seems like he is sending her away for other reasons. She also explains Peter’s disappearance at the opening of The Bailey Moneypit, The Bailey Agency. Apparently, Cynthia’s party was the one time Peter had to run to his business, Bar One, to “deal with something.”

“Peter Thomas was the one that spent most of his day setting up everything up for The Bailey Agency opening. He made sure that everything was beautiful and perfect. I was happy that he took the time to help me out, because managing Bar One is a full-time job. Between bouncing back and forth between The Bailey Agency and Bar One, he was exhausted. At one point he stepped out to check on something at Bar One and was MIA during my thank you speech. Of course, when he returned the speech was over and the rest is history. My only issue with Peter was that he should have communicated to me that he had to step out and would be right back. Communication is key!”

Again, somewhat understandable, but I’m curious why Peter just didn’t send Cynthia a simple text about where he was, or let any one else at the party know he would be stepping out. Oh, I know why: because he is inconsiderate and selfish.

Cynthia also explains why she received marriage counseling so quickly, turning it around on us, and saying we should all get counseling! She goes on:

“We needed to bring in a third party. So we decided to seek counseling from Pastor Pollard. He was the pastor that married us, and we both welcomed his advice. After talking with the pastor, Peter and I both left the church with a sense of encouragement, enlightenment and support.

I would recommend any married couple to consider marriage counseling. Any marriage can benefit from the spiritual support. People are not perfect, and most marriages are not perfect. I don’t want to change, or expect Peter to change. We are who we are. I just want us to be better than we are. We love each other and this is a fight worth fighting for.”

I would be very worried if my very young marriage already necessitated marriage counseling, but I’ve only been engaged once (as opposed to Cynthia’s three times) so clearly, I know nothing. Let’s hope these wacky kids figure it out!

Moving on to newbie Marlo Hampton, who hosted an event in ATL days ago, only to suffer an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction! Err we’ll just let the pics do the talking below!

On tonight’s episode, the women gear up for their big vacation to Africa. In the following preview clip, the producers force Kandi invites all the women to sit in the private room of a restaurant with Kandi’s mother, Joyce, at the head of the table to clear the air. Nene and Kim are contractually obligated to sit across from each other and refuse to even say hi, even at Joyce’s request. This might get weirder than Crazy Island!

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON CYNTHIA’S DEFENSE OF PETER? AND ON PETER SENDING HER AWAY ALONE FOR 3 DAYS? THOUGHTS ON KANDI’S COMMENTS & MARLO’S WADROBE MALFUNCTION?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE THE MARLO PICS & NEW EPISODE PREVIEW!

Marlo arriving to the event she hosted! She is sporting a Valentino fur dress accessorized with a Chanel belt, earrings and a Christian Louboutin strass pigalle. Photos Credit: FreddyO.com

Marlo later did a wardrobe change into a Herve Ledger top, Versace skirt with another Christian Louboutin pigalle.

Marlo’s unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. Those appear to be scars from a boob job.

On last night’s episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, new friendships were formed and relationships tested their boundaries as Peter and Cynthia struggled in their marriage and Phaedra and Apollo came together for the purpose of a new family business. Kim spends the whole episode annoyed that she has to parent her teenaged daughter – cause you know she has more important things to worry about like her 65 thousand gaudy-a$$ sofas. Does she feel bad every time she makes her husband move Big Poppa’s crap around?

Things start out in Phaedra’s kitchen where she is talking to her mom about opening her funeral home, Funerals Worth Dying For or Fabulous Funerals by Phaedra. Phaedra wants to leave a legacy for her son and thinks a funeral home is a way to do so. Isn’t she a lawyer – Ayden can’t take over the firm? Anyways, Phaedra is envisioning events, not funerals and her plan is to “throw ‘em in the ground with a bang!” There’s only one problem – Apollo has no interest in the mortuary business. No interest at all. Phaedra decides since he likes driving and is strong he can pick up the bodies and transport them to the mortuary. In fact, he can swap out going to the gym for lifting bodies since it’s such good exercise.

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO READ THE REST!

Cynthia and Papa Smurf Peter are having a date night at a dance studio. Cynthia isn’t much interested in dealing with Peter anymore and is still really upset that he ditched her at the agency opening. While waiting for the instructor the two get into an argument about Peter’s attitude and his responsibility to their marriage. Peter’s defense? If Cynthia doesn’t like it – leave.

The dance instructor shows up just in time to circumvent a blow up and issues some prophetic words – if both of you try to lead they’ll be a fight… I think Cynthia needs to take the lead on filing for divorce!

Kim is having a hard day – her infant keeps peeing on her designer, her teenaged daughters are sassy and defiant, and nothing is more stressful than having a baby and supervising the moving Versace china. Sweet little Arianna warns her mama that she is a girl after Kim’s own heart, and lets Kim know that when she dies, Ariana wants her money. Reap what you sow, Kimzie!

Brielle, who is hot in teenager mode, is sick of the move and is totes unhelpful with the baby. Kim’s approach is to snap at her and yell. Kim claims the girls have been babied and are spoiled – and are slightly afraid of Kroy being the man of the house. Kim understands Brielle is acting out for attention, but since it’s all about her she’s annoyed that she has to deal with it.

Kandi and Lil Ronnie are meeting with Jo Dee Messina to write some songs. Kandi is nervous working with an artist who is already a big deal in the country music scene since she is a newbie when it comes to that type of music. Jo Dee is so sweet and down to earth and I love her kitchen! Kandi rubs all of Jo Dee’s awards for good luck in getting a number one hit, but things start out on a rough note as Jo Dee has a lot of feedback and revisions for what Kandi has written.

Kandi was so nervous! It was kind of endearing. In the end, Kandi starts feeling much more confident about working with Jo Dee and branching into country music. To celebrate going country Lil Ronnie buys Kandi her first cowgirl hat! Yee haw!

Ahhh… NeNe. NeNe meets up with Marlo, who is wearing some sort of Muppet shirt. Marlo decides to suck up and order some of NeNe’s wine – Moscato if you didn’t know. Mos-yuck-o if you did! NeNe reveals she has no issues with Marlo over the Charles rumors, yet Marlo confronts her immediately about the nature of their relationship and it being all over the place. Apparently, even her nieces and nephews have read about it on the blogs — supervision, anyone?

NeNe puts it out there – she and Charles had one drink together and he has never seen her hello kitty and she is so over it – Nene has moved onto a different creepy guy! Marlo tries to issue a lil threat that it better not end up being true… then she let’s NeNe know she has a criminal past to really seal the deal. Most specifically that she’s been arrested SEVEN times.

Dating a football player = 1 in a million, being arrested seven times = lots of money in lawyers and bail, leaving NeNe speechless = priceless! Kudos for Marlo for being up front with things, I suppose! NeNe is suddenly over the whole active listening thing and the big footed new friends decide disclosing is so yesterday — let’s shop! In a debate between listening vs. Louboutins; red bottoms win every time! Charge it! (anybody else a former Mall Madness lover?)

Back at Kim’s palace of bratty teenagers and Big Poppa’s furniture, Sheree shows up with yoga mats, a Birkin and some jeal-ly beans. Kim reveals her new diet plan is walking the halls of her enormous mansion, leaving Sheree nostalgic for her days as a professional athletes wife. Sheree decides Kim should start working out since she has quit smoking! AHAHAHAHAHA! Doesn’t she remember the last time Kim worked out, she stopped to get beers at the convenience store?

Sheree encourages Kim to think of how in shape Kroy is while doing leg lifts and then concedes to the fact that Kim is more the wham bam thank you man, plastic surgery type. Over juicing Kim gags and talks about Brielle’s behavior. I swear Kim was going to start making fart jokes – I mean we know she’s never eaten a vegetable before with her steady diet of chardonnay and pizza.

Phaedra is meeting up with Willie Watkins. Speaking of gagging, Apollo looks like he is going to puke at the thought of seeing dead people being cut open. Phaedra apparently likes vampires which explains her interest in the mortuary business according to Apollo. Phaedra still envisions a family business so hopefully she can convince Apollo!

NeNe hobbles across the cobblestones to attend the Captain Planet Jewelry Benefit with Marlo – I’m guessing these two are here for the jewelry and not for the saving the planet as NeNe arrived in a huge SUV. What is with Marlo’s very voluminous and busy outfits – this latest get up looked straight out of The Jetsons with popcorn stapled on it. Did she get a Project Runway reject? She made NeNe look downright chic!

NeNe is still having difficulty reconciling the modern fauxcialite with the ex-con behavior of her past. NeNe is also having trouble comprehending this whole green thing — the only green she understands is money and envy! But no worries cause she’s a cameleon (a.k.a fake-meleon) so she can go green if the social climbing calls for it. In fact, that’s just what Marlo and her have in common! And the very very, very rich Trump check cashing Ms. Leakes elects not to spend 25k on earrings – after all she really attended to support a fabulous bitch – her new BFFL Marlo!

Apollo meets his fabulous wife at her office with flowers and an agenda – to discuss fabulous funerals! From a spiritual perspective he’s concerned about associating with the souls of the dead, which Phaedra reminds him have already moved on. Phaedra paints him a picture of putting the “boom in the tomb” with top hats, and carriages, and tuxedos, and flash and fabulosity. She’s like a door-to-door salesman! Maybe the boom in the tomb song can be on their commercials…

Phaedra convinces Apollo that his role can be schmoozing old ladies and escorting girls in mourning. Is this a funeral home business or a speed dating circuit? Apollo is in – for consoling families, of course. Actually, I think they are an adorable couple and I love Apollo. I hope Funerals Worth Dying For works out for them.

And moving onto couples who can’t agree on anything – Cynthia and Peter meet with the pastor who married them for some marital counseling. Pastor Pollard talks to the unhappy couple about learning to communicate. Cynthia shares that Peter doesn’t listen, while he talks over her and argues. Cynthia accuses him of being a dinosaur (that’s a good one!) who refuses to change his ways. Pastor Pollard asks them to say what they love about each other and Cynthia lavishes a whole hosts of compliments on her Tyrannosaurus Rex, only to have him tell her about the stuff he doesn’t like when it comes to their relationship. Right – so about those listening skills…

Peter finally answers and admits he loves his wife tremendously, but they do have issues with communication. Pastor Pollard gives them some good advice about focusing on love and Peter shockingly concedes that he needs to hear when he is wrong and likes having discussions with a third party. Hopefully he is serious about changing his ways!

Cynthia is glad Peter is accepting responsibility and taking the first step to work through his issues, but outside the church still seems distant from her husband as she admits that sometimes she doesn’t like or love him — though she is still in love with him. Cynthia relents that they both need a lot of work and they hug, agreeing to keep trying. We’ll see what happens …

Next week: Kim learns to shoot. Phaedra and Cynthia have dinner with their husbands to patch things up! And Mama Joyce tries to get NeNe and Kim to make amends! I can’t wait to see this!

Watch What Happens Live: The guests are Kandi (who is wearing WHAT?!) and Questlove. The celebrity bartender in the new WWHL bar is Chef Roble! A little catering competition occurs since apparently Questlove owns an awesome catering company (can he get his own show?!) and he brought Andy drumsticks with an origami heart. Oh man – I so need to get him to cater something. I love Questlove and I LOVE, LOVE fried chicken! If only I were rich… maybe NeNe will loan me some money!

The drinking game word is: Question. It seems the Jo Dee/Kandi collaboration was real and some of their songs might be coming out soon! I can’t wait to hear some of their stuff. Andy wants to know if Kim really quit smoking and an expression says it all… Hell to the no! Kim without a wig, a cigarette, and a white wine is like Christmas without Santa Claus! Questlove is afraid of Marlo after hearing about her stint in jail. Hehe.

Questlove predicts that Cynthia and Peter will not last! And Kandi is surprised Cynthia revealed she didn’t like Peter and she doesn’t understand. Andy reveals a disco NeNe walking in heels remix. LOVES IT!

Kandi answers a pivotal question about her Kim K booty and Kandi is emphatic that it is real. And Phaedra’s is bigger! Questlove is a surprising fan of Yo Gaba Gaba which he describes as a non-drug induced acid trip. Questlove is also a huge Soul Train fan and Kandi was on in ’93 with Xscape! Um… cue the vintage clip, Andy!!

The game is “Plead The Fifth” And Kandi doesn’t plead the fifth at all as she reveals she would rather drop NeNe as a friend than Kim. Cold!!! Questlove reveals Prince used his work without giving him credit. Whoa! These two are good guests! And Kandi is STILL waiting for her Tardy For The Party royalty check – even Questlove is shocked, but Kandi explains that helping Kim is what led to her new Bravo show!

Phaedra Tweets that Pastor Regina Bell wants to be in The Roots! Quest plays Plead The Fifth and won’t answer which celeb he would kick out of his concert, but then calls out Tina Fey for never being nice to The Roots.

The poll question: Will Cynthia and Peter Last? And 89% say no! Wowzers.

THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE? DO YOU THINK CYNTHIA AND PETER WILL LAST? ARE NENE AND MARLO A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN?

Keeping herself busy and gainfully employed, singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss has officially added purveyor of self-pleasure to her resume and launched her sex toy line. Also, gleefully branching out from her day job as main drama starter du jour on RHOA is NeNe Leakes whose recent guest spots on Glee have launched her career and her ego.

Speaking to Naughty But Nice Rob of The Huffington Post, Kandi gave him the deets of her newest venture: Bedroom Kandi. Oh, how clever #not. Her most proud accomplishment is the melding of two of her favorite things: music and masturbation with the launch of a music activated vibrator. Off topic — but did I really just use the word “masturbation” at work? Wow.

“They are happiness and joy,” Kandi said of her new line. “We have one button if you choose you can connect it to your stereo or mp3 [player], iPod or whatever and that vibrates to whatever song is playing on the stereo system.”

And just in case you want to make a purchase to spice up your alone time, Kandi advises on how to pick the perfect vibrator. “This is how you tell if it’s a good vibrator or not,” Kandi describes. “You tell how strong it is by the tip of your nose. Most people like them as gifts because it’s different. It’s great and it’s wireless and rechargeable — no batteries needed.” Well good to know, good to know… See the video of Kandi’s appearance on Rob’s show below!

As for Kandi’s spinoff show with Bravo, titled ‘The Kandi Factory‘ Bravo announced over the weekend that it will premiere on March 4! The show follows Kandi as she attempts to turn two music hopefuls into pop stars! Hey, if she can do it with Kim Zolciak, she can do it with anyone!

Moving right along, NeNe is taking her ego to a whole new level! In a new article by the National Enquirer they are claiming the notorious NeNe is giddy about how her career is taking off since guest starring on Glee giving her ultimate bragging rights.

“This is NeNe’s dream come true,” a show insider revealed to the gossip mag. “She can’t wait to become a big star and watch the rest of the housewives in her rear view mirror as she drives off from Atlanta to Hollywood!” Well, check yourself before you wreck yourself, NeNe and don’t let your ego get the best of you.

According to insiders, NeNe feels “vindicated” after landing the guest role particularly in the wake of her castmates’ dislike of her now that she has the opportunity to break out from Housewives. “She told a pal, ‘Whoever said success is the best revenge got it right. I can’t wait to issue a big fat goodbye to all those bitches!’ ”

NeNe is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to rub her latest success in her co-star’s and former friend’s faces — particularly Sheree Whitfield and Kim Zolciak! According to the article Kim was hoping her new marriage and baby storyline would result in a permanent spin off, ala Bethenny Frankel, but Andy Cohen has been vocal in stating the spin off is a one-time event and he wants Kim to remain on RHOA.

“NeNe thinks this Glee role will eclipse the accomplishments of the other Atlanta Housewives combined, and she couldn’t be happier,” the insider continues. “She feels having the last laugh on everyone who ever dissed her.”

Finally, tonight there is an all-new episode of RHOA! On tonight’s episode Phaedra makes moves towards opening her family mortuary business, Kandi branches into the country music scene and NeNe confronts gossip about her alleged affair with Charles Grant! A preview of the new episode is below. Tonight also kicks off the new five-nights a week schedule for Watch What Happens Live where Kandi will be the guest!

Real Housewives of Atlanta airs tonight on Bravo at 9/10c.

THOUGHTS ON KANDI’S NEW SEX TOY LINE – DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE SUCCESSFUL? DO YOU THINK NENE’S GUEST ROLE ON GLEE WILL PROPEL HER INTO BIGGER VENTURES?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE A PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT’S EPISODE!